Tapinoma nigerrimum

Tapinoma nigerrimum 
 
CAUTION! : This is a small species of ant that has a high potential of invasive risk to the ecosystem. If purchasing, it is imperative that the buyer does their research on the potential risk factors that make this ant a possible hazard if released into the wild intentionally or unintentionally. Upon your research, adequate equipment with escape prevention technology is required. Should you ever wish to stop keeping this species, please contact Ants HQ to return this colony.
 
This tiny, Mediterranean black species of ant is universally known by most scientists as it has the capability to form impressive supercolonies that rival those of the invasive Argentine ants, Linepithema humile.
 
Whilst to the nake eye this ant seems harmless, worker ants of this species actually possess an anal gland that produces a substance that is composed of a mixture of ketones and dialdehydes that prove toxic to most other neighbouring ant species. This chemical defence adaptation is one of the many reasons as to why this species is so succesful in colonising different habitats across the Mediterranean.
 
Another biological adapation of this ant is its ability to mass recruit workers in a highly efficient manner. This means that prey items are usually seized quickly and used to feed growing larvae.
 
This species of ant is known to colonise both urban and rural areas but seems to grow best in areas where human activity is present, i.e. hot buildings.
 
If you are an experienced keeper looking for an active, fast growing species of ant, T.nigerrimum could be for you. As long as the appropiate control parameters are in place, of course. If in doubt, please contact Ants HQ for advice.
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.